Common Cat Snake

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About Common Cat Snake:

Common Cat Snake, also known as Indian gamma snake, is a species of rear-fanged snake endemic to South Asia.
Scientific Name: Boiga trigonata
In India, it is found all over the country, excluding north-east states after Sikkim; it is also, not found in Indian islands.
Habitat: It can be found in almost all kinds of forests and wide ranges of elevations.
While venomous, the Common Cat Snake’s venom is not considered highly dangerous to humans. It primarily uses its venom to subdue prey.
Features:
- It is a medium-sized snake that is usually found in the 70-100 cm range.
- Its body is slender, thin, and bears a thin tail.
- Its upper body colour is grey-brown, with cream-coloured irregular markings, margined with black colour.
- Its underside is yellow-white or yellow-brown.
- Its head is large, triangular-shaped, and distinctly broader than the neck.
- Unlike other cat snakes of its range, this species bears characteristic “gamma” or “Y”-shaped marking that helps in its quick identification on the field.
- Lifespan: 12-20 years
- Diet: It primarily consists of small vertebrates.
IUCN Red List: Least Concern

Q1: What is the IUCN Red List?

The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species™ is the world’s most comprehensive information source on the global extinction risk status of animal, fungus and plant species. Open to all, it is used by governmental bodies, non-profit organisations, businesses and individuals.

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